Brightens My Day

His smile is seriously wonderful and I can't get enough of it!

Top 10 of '10

I know very little about photography, but once Brennan was born, I knew I wanted to capture as much as I could. He is an extremely photogenic baby, so even with my lack of photography skills, I have managed to capture some pretty good (and funny) pictures of him. I can't believe I am even linking up my pictures with some of these amazing photographers, but here goes nothing. Go ahead and link up too and post the top 10 photos you've taken of your kiddo(s) this past year.

Here's my top 10 (in chronological order):

1. Burping is such hard work -

As I mentioned, I am in no way a professional photographer, but back on February 16th as I was trying to burp Brennan after a feeding, I knew this was a great photo op. I called for Kyle to get the camera and he caught this awesome picture. B's hair was so dark back then!

2. Rock-a-bye-baby -

I still love this picture too. This was one of the first times Brennan had been swimming. He loved the water from very early on and was very content to be put into Adah's float. He was just floating around when all of a sudden his eyelids started to get heavy. I knew he was going to fall asleep, so Amanda got out of the pool and took some pictures once he was out.

3. My new tricks -

This photo was taken in July while on vacation in Gatlinburg, TN with my family. I like this picture because I captured Brennan's two newest tricks at the time: blowing raspberries and playing with his feet.

4. Cheering on his team -

Those eyes! I love them so much! This was taken at our church's first Upward soccer game.

5. Sharp-Dressed Baby -

While cleaning out Brennan's closest and putting away clothes that were too small, I decided to play dress up with him. This suit was already a little small, but he had never worn it and I really wanted a picture of him in it. It took several shots to get this smile, but once I got it, I knew it was perfect.

6. Mr. Monkey -

Like the previous two photos, this one was also taken in September. It must have been a very photogenic month for Brennan. I love this hat we bought him at the Big E New England Fair. It always gets him tons of compliments when we go out.

7. Sweet kisses -

There are very few pictures of me that I like. Maybe I like this one because it doesn't show my whole face. This was taken by Kyle during a visit to the pumpkin patch. I think B looks sad in the picture, but it has always been one of Kyle's favorites.

8. Ho ho ho -

I better include this picture. This was our Christmas card photo and boy have I set the bar high for future cards. I cannot begin to tell you how many people have told us how much they loved our card. What's not to love with that huge smile?!

9. Splish-splash! -

I had to include a bath shot. I love his expression here.

10. Handsome fella -

I wish I could've gotten a smile, but I love this picture nonetheless. I just wish Kyle hadn't been working so he could've been at church with us. Everyone loved Brennan all dressed up in his jacket and tie.

Friday's Fab Five - Year End Edition

It's almost the end of 2010

Looking back, counting blessings, oh where to begin?

It's been a big year you could certainly say

Especially a certain February day!

Since 2011 is oh so near

Let's do a top five of this past year!

And it would only be right if it was done in a rhyme

Happy New Year - hope you have a FAB time!

5. I read the whole Bible, yes the darn thing

It took some time, but joy it did bring.

4. We took a summer trip home to Kentucky

And saw lots of family and felt really lucky.

3. The Navy brought people back and took them away

And then brought new friends who might be here to stay!

2. I got to stay at home with my son

It's a lot of work, but has been so much fun!

1. A baby was born on Feb. 11

Certainly a gift from our Savior in Heaven!

Our Christmas

It's been a few days since I've posted. I woke up with a pretty nasty cold on Christmas morning and tonight I am finally starting to feel like a human being again. I haven't been out of the house in three days, so tomorrow we are planning on going out for lunch. Anyways...
Here are some pictures from Christmas and yesterday. Nothing fancy. Just us.

Here is Brennan starting to open a present.

He seemed a little interested at first.

And then got more interested.

He was so excited about his new toy; even while it was still in the box.

Then we gave him his Mega Blocks and didn't know which one he wanted.

Daddy tried to quickly put this toy together while Brennan was whining because he wanted to play with it.

While Daddy put the finishing touches on the toy, Brennan opened his stocking.

Our cutie on his first Christmas!

Ringo says, "Daddy, I love you. Can I have a present too?"

And his wish is granted.

Here is Brennan yesterday playing at his music table. So cute! You can see the snow coming down in the background.

Love him!

DPP - December 24th

Here are some pictures of Brennan at our church's Christmas Eve service.

Friday's Fab Five

The Fab Five is back! And to make it even better, today's Fab Five is a SUPER-SIZED edition! I think I owe you that much since I've missed the past two weeks!

1. On Monday night, we had the Cizeks over for dinner. It's always fun watching Brennan and Parker play together because Parker loves to push Brennan on riding toys. They are so cute!

2. Brennan now has four teeth! His top front two teeth are coming in. Thankfully again teething didn't seem to bother him much. There was one night when he fussed a little at two different points in the night. I never went into his room and he fell back to sleep quickly both times. That next morning, his front right tooth had come through. The left one was right behind. I guess he got his two front teeth for Christmas.

3. Brennan is standing more! I know all babies develop at their own pace and we aren't too concerned that Brennan isn't crawling yet. However, it has always seemed strange that he has never wanted to stand; not even on your lap or anything. We decided to give him one of his Christmas presents early in hopes that it would encourage him to stand and play and it seems to be working. We make him practice standing each day and just yesterday he started standing straight when you just hold onto his hands.

4. Kyle is on stand-down! He's gotten to spend this week at home with us and gets to spend next week here too! It's been fun having him here and playing together as a family during the day. I've even been out of the house twice without the baby! Woohoo!

5. Amanda and Josh welcomed their 2nd baby girl! It was a stupid day to have a baby (haha) but still joyful! :)

6. Brennan has gotten several presents already. He got his giraffe bench from Mama H. He got a recordable story book from Papaw Larry. Just last night he got a super cute outfit from his Mama Sherri and Papa Dukes!

7. Last night we went to Mama Sherri and Papa Duke's house for a Christmas celebration. It's always fun to visit with them and I feel very blessed to have family so close! Brennan was such a trooper! The party didn't start until 6pm, so he partied for a little bit, then went to bed. We had to wake him at 10pm to drive home. He slept the entire one hour drive home. We had to wake him to get him into the house. He ate a little more and then I laid him right back down and he slept until 7! He's such a good boy!

8. Tonight is the Christmas Eve service at church. I am excited! It'll be another late night for Brennan, but hopefully he will be great.

9. Tomorrow is CHRISTmas! Christmas has always been exciting, but now that we have a baby, I am looking forward to starting traditions of our own. Although I am already wondering how to balance Santa vs. the true meaning of Christmas with kiddos. At least we don't have to really worry about that yet since Brennan is so little.

10. Isaiah 9:6 - For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas! I hope it is truly fabulous!

DPP - December 23rd

Brennan says:
"Check out my new bench from Mama H! It is SO cool! How'd she know I love giraffes? That Mama H is one smart lady. I love this bench so much. My mommy keeps saying something about it being a time-out stool in the future, but I'm not sure what that means. Thanks so much, Mama H. I love you!"